Target-practice apparatus.



,H. H. CUMMINGS.

TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED-AUG. 16/1905. 1 014 20 I Patented Jam-9, 1912.

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Min/eases: I "Invenior:

coLuMln/u .ANOGIIAPM CO., WASHINGTON, n. a

Invenior. filenzyH Oumm in y Patented Jai1.9, 1912.

am If H H CUMMINGS TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS APPLIUAIION FILED we 18 1905 Zfiiifnesse Q -H. H. CUMMINGS. TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS. I Argnmumn nun AUG.16, 1905.

Patented Jan. 9, 1912.

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HENRY H. CUMMINGS, OF NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO ATLANTIC NATIONAL BANK, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, A COR- PORATION OF RHODE ISLAND.

TARGET-PRACTICE APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 9,1912.

Application filed August 16, 1905. Serial No. 274,424.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, HENRY I-I. CUMMINGS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Newton, in the county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Target-Practice Apparatus, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

My invention relates to target practice apparatus and more particularly to the class of target practice apparatus employing means for recording the aim without the necessary issuance of any projectile from the aiming device, such by way of example as is described in United States Patent No. 739,778, granted to me September 22, 1903.

In the patent referred to there is specifically disclosed a target practice apparatus employing an aiming device, therein a gun, adapted to be aimed at a main target but so connected with following means, including a recording needle, that the latter is caused to follow the aiming movements of the aiming device relatively to a secondary or miniature target. At the time of firing, whether actual or simulated, the aim is permanently recorded upon the secondary target by movement of the latter toward and against the point of the recording needle and without the necessary issuance of any projectile from the gun, the relations be tween the aiming device, the main target, the needle and the secondary target being such that the line of sight of the aiming device relatively to the main target, is at all times faithfully reproduced by the needle with reference to the secondary target.

My present invention provides a simple but effective construction of target practice apparatus which is particularly desirable where a considerable freedom of movement is required for the aiming device, such, for example, as ordinarily accompanies the use of a revolver which when used either in practice or actual use, is often swept nection with the accompanying illustration of one specific embodiment thereof submitted for illustrative purposes, while its scope will be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Of the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a target practice apparatus embodying one form of my invention and intended for use in connection with a revolver; Fig. 2 is a plan view of one end of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1, showing on a larger scale the revolver and recording mechanism; Fig. 3 is a similar view in side elevation; Fig. 4 is a section on the line 44 in Fig. 3, looking toward the sub-target; Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5, Fig. 3, looking toward the revolver; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of that end of the apparatus carrying the target at which aim is taken; Fig. 7 is a front elevation thereof; and Fig. 8 is a section. on the line 88 in Fig. 8.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention the aiming device a, which may be of any desired type or construction, but

- which herein is a revolver of the Colt army type, is so'associated with a relatively distant target 6, at the opposite end of the apparatus, that a.free aiming movement of the revolver, relatively to the target, is permitted the marksman. As in the case of the target practice apparatus disclosed in my prior patent, deviations of the line of sight of the revolver from the bulls-eye are, by the connections hereinafter described, duplicated by the corresponding deviations of a recording needle 0 which moves with reference to a subor secondary target carried in the target holder cl, so that when the subtarget, which, for this purpose, is movable is forced against the point of the needle, the resulting impression made thereby correctly record's upon the face of the sub-target the aim taken at that instant by the revolver with reference to the main target b. The latter presents an aim-fixing spot at which aim may be taken, such spot herein comprising the bulls-eye (see Fig. 7) on the face of the said main target 6.

In the present apparatus the revolver, sub-target and main target are carried upon suitable supporting means, which may assume various forms, but is preferablyconstructed of a simple piece of steel tubing 6. This affords the desired lightness and low inertia, while giving the maximum rigidity and stiffness.

At one end of the steel tubing is carried the main target I). Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, this target, in the present instance, is removably and slidably carried in a target holder Z), the latter, in its turn, being adjust-ably slidable upon a standard 6 carried by the bracket 6 here shown as provided with a split sleeve embracing and clamped to the steel tubing 6. The target holder may therefore be adjusted vertically upon the standard, and there clamped or otherwise fixed in any desired position, as by the set screws 6 change in such adjustment, however, being infrequently required.

The apparatus may be supported in any suitable way, but I have herein shown the entire support 0, with its attached revolver, sub-target and main target mounted for free movement about a point which here sub.- stantially though not exactly co-incides with the bulls-eye of the target. For this purpose the grooved supporting 'pin b rests in the collars b (Fig. 1), the latter being fastened to the depending suspension members 6 which are herein attached for swinging movement to the ceiling or other suitably elevated overhead support, the connection being such that the apparatus is supported at the target end thereof and without offering any substantial resistance to lateral, vertical, gyratory or other movements imparted to the aiming device at the opposite end of the tube.

In order to relieve the marksman of the weight of the attached moving parts and to leave him sensible of the weight of the revolver only, counterbalancing means are connected with the apparatus, this, in the illustrated example, consisting of the weight f, connected to the flexible cord 7, which passes over the stationary pulley f and is connected to the U-shaped frame 7, which has one branch attached to the sub-target bracket d, and the other to the cord f. The weight f is of a size sufficient to counterbalance the weight of the apparatus less the weight of the revolver, so that when the latter is moved up or down about the point of suspension, the marksman is relieved of all but the weight of the revolver itself.

The butt of the revolver is secured to an arm a (see Figs. 2 and 8), the latter being pivoted at a to the vertically swiveled pin (L The pin 0 turns in a socket in the bracket a the latter being clamped to the end of the rod 6. This construction permits the revolver to be swung with the swiveled pin in a horizontal plane and about the pivot a in a vertical plane. The revolver therefore has a universal connection to the supporting rod, permitting what may be termed, a free aiming movement of the firearm, resulting in deviations in the line of revolver sight with reference to themain target, such a movement, for example, as a revolver undergoes about the wrist of the marksman as a fulcrum, or a rifle undergoes about the marksmans shoulder as a fulcrum. It will be seen, however, that this aiming movement is not in the least conrest, for the fulcrum or fulcra about which it takes place, is not fixed, but like the wrist or hand of the marksman holding a revolver in actual practice, may travel horizontally means of the thumb nut 0 into the bracket 0 the latter fixed upon the tube 6. The needle is secured to the needle head 0*, and the latter is provided with a vertical bore of substantially the same diameter as the spherical support 0, the lower end of the bore being flared to permit a suitable rangeof needle movement upon the support, and the upper end being closed by the pin 0 which rests upon the spherical head and by which the needle is sustained. This provides a delicate pivot post suspension for the needle similar to that of a compass needle, permitting free gyrations of the needle about the post and at the same time the ready detachment of the needle from its support by merely lifting the head therefrom.

To the head of the needle is clamped the yoke g, having the two rearwardly extendarms 9' and 9 carrying the counterbalancing weights g and 9 The weights are of such a size and so located as to press the needle upward about its support and also to give an appreciable mass to the needle, providing sufficient inertia therefor for a purpose to be referred to. The weights are preferably adjustable along the arms 9' and g and provided with clamping screws as strained and there is'no aiming point-ofindicated, to effectually retain them in their positions, change in which will seldom be required. The location of the weights below the center of needle suspension adds considerably to its stability and also prevents the needle from turning on its axis, which, if it be bent or out of true, may result in an erroneous rcord.

The revolver arm a is connected to the needle 0 by the overhanging connecting member h, which is yieldably seated upon the cylindrical end a of the arm. The connecting member has two feet, It and h cut as shown in Fig. 8, to seat upon the curved surface of the arm and is held seated thereagainst by the flat leaf spring hflsecured at one end to the connecting member h and pressed down at its opposite end by the nut h adjustable on the threaded stud If, which latter is secured to the cylindrical end of the revolver arm but passes loosely through the connecting member 71'. By this arrangement the arm is connected with the needle to compel the latter to follow the movements of the revolver; but under any unusual resistance the needle will yield relatively to the revolver. Thus, the end of the connection which engages the needle may be raised against the elasticity of the spring upon the foot h as a fulcrum, or may be shifted horizontally to one side or the other by the unseating of the feet h and 72, and the swinging of the connecting member about the stud 72. The opposite end of the connecting member is provided with the down-turned guiding finger h (Fig. 5), having the flared opening it, the center or apex of which is adapted to engage the needle 0 and direct the movement thereof. As the revolver is swung upwardly and the finger h raised, the needle, being gently pressed toward the apex of the opening bythe weights g and 9 is caused to follow the movement thereof. If the revolver is depressed, the finger also depresses the needle, raising the counterbalancing weights 9 and 9*. Movement of the revolver in a horizontal plane directs a corresponding movement of the needle about its support.

To eifect the record of the aim by forward movement of the sub-target against the. needle point when the revolver trigger is pulled, there is provided suitable motive mechanism, herein electromagnetic. The sub target j (Figs. 3 and 4) is removably held in a vertically curved target holder 03, the latter having the rearwardly projecting tubular support (Z slidably mounted in the bracket ll and adapted to be moved forward by movement of the lever 03 The latter is pivoted at (F and has its upper end working in a transverse notch in the under side of the projecting end of the tubular support. The target and its holder are normally retracted or withdrawn out of contact with the needle point by the pressure of the pin ((5 against the edge of the lever if, the pin being seatedin the bracket and pressed outward by a spiral spring. The sub target :5 presents to the needle a suitable bulls-eye as shown in Fig. l adapted to receive the mark of the marking needle, the center of the bulls-eye being covered by the needle point when the revolver is correctly aimed at the center of the aim fixing spot.

Hooked about the lower end of the lever d, which enters within the tube 6, is the lever actuating member d, which herein consists of a small wire or rod. The latter passes to the target end of the tube and has aprojecting threaded end (Fig. 6) passing through the armature lever is, to which it is adjustably secured by means of the threaded nut (V. The armature lever is controlled by the electro-magnet lo. When the latter is energized, the armature is attracted and the connecting member (Z retracted to throw the target holder forward and cause the face of the target to be punctured by the needle.

The magnet is energized and the record takes place when the trigger is pressed in simulation of the act of firing by means of the electric circuit indicated in the drawin s. This includes the electro-magnet la, the battery Z, and circuit-closing mechanism associated with the revolver itself. The conductor m, (Fig. 1) connects one pole of the battery Z with the electro-magnet la; the other pole of the battery being connected by the conductor m with the binding post a, the latter being carried by the bracket a near the revolver end of the tube. The remaining terminal of the magnet is connected by the conductor m with a second binding post 40?, upon the said bracket n, the two conductors m and m passing from the magnet to the bracket 12 through the interior of the tube.

To the opposite ends of the binding posts a and n are connected respectively the free ends of the revolver lead wires 0 and 0, the opposite ends of the latter passing into the butt of the revolver and connected to the contact pieces 0 and 0 The revolver butt is shown in Fig. 3 with one face removed to illustrate the construction of the circuitclosing mechanism. The contacts 0 and 0 remain normally in separation, but are brought together when the triggeris pressed by the sliding presser block 0 of insulating material pivoted to the lever 0 the latter having a depending extension 0 directly back of the revolver trigger a. The ends of the contact pieces enter the opening 0 in the lower end of the sliding block 0*, so that when the trigger is pulled and the contact block is raised in response to the movement of the lever 0 the walls of the contracted opening 0 draw the diverging ends of the contact pieces together and complete the electric circuit. This form of circuit-closing mechanism is very satisfactory, since it can be placed inthe waste space in the revolver butt without any substantial alteration in the ordinary army revolver. It is so sensitive that the trigger cannot be pulled to throw the hammer without insuring the completion of the circuit, while, on the other hand nothing short of a pull upon the trigger suflicient to throw the hammer will cause the energization of themagnet.

WVhen the apparatus is out of use, the revolver may be held in a fixed position by means of the hinged rest p, which, when thrown into the dotted line position shown in Fig. 3, receives the end a of the revolver arm in an appropriate groove, and holds the revolver centrally against lateral or downward movement. lVit-h theapparatus adjusted, the revolver when thus held by the hinged rest, should ordinarily sight at the bulls-eye, and the needle should be directly opposite the bulls-eye of the sub-target.

With the apparatus in proper adjustment and the hinged support 9 thrown down, as shown in Fig. 8, to release the revolver and the following parts, the marksman may grasp the revolver and aim at the main target, the fire-arm being perfectly free to undergo any of the usual evolutions which its holder may find desirable or needful. The entire apparatus, on account of its floating suspension, is free to yield to those arm movements involving lateral or vertical sweeps, or a twisting or swinging of the fire-arm, While that characteristic downward sweep of the revolver for positioning the same prior to firing, in which it is the habit of many marksmen to indulge, is freely permitted by reason of the hinged connection of the revolver to its support, coupled .With the floating suspension. If the revolver is pointed upward prior to a downward sweep, the finger It will be lifted away from the needle, movement of which however is restricted to the face of the target by the limiting frame 1". l/Vhen the revolver is swept down, the flaring mouth of the finger will embrace the needle and re-assume the control thereof as soon as the line of sight of the revolver crosses the field of the main target. The revolver is therefore perfectly free to be swept out of the field of the main target, but is adapted to re-assume control of the recording needle as soon as it reenters the field thereof.

If the line of revolver sight is depressed so far as to bring the needle against the lower boundary of the limiting frame, its connection to the revolver will yield by the raising of the foot 72 about the foot h as a fulcrum. If swung too far laterally, the connecting member 7L will merely unseat itself from the revolver arm. Obviously,

meansmight be provided for causingthe' reseating of the connecting member upon the arm when, after it has been displaced by excessive lateral movement of the revolver, the line of sight reenters the field of the main target, but I have found that the positioning movements practiced by marksmen are principally or wholly vertical movements, and the unseating of the connecting member from the revolver arm is provided principally as a protection against injuryother words, when it executes a positioning movement as distinct from an aiming movement the recording devices, lncludmg the needle and sub-target move with the aiming device without, however, executing any relative movement save when the aiming device undergoes aiming movement.

Aim having been taken at the main target, and the trigger pulled, the circuit is thereby closed, the magnet energized, and the target thrown forward against the needle point to receive the record of the aim, all

of which will be readily understood from the preceding description.

In case the marksman does not immediately release the trigger, the target will remain in contact with the needle point, but no injury will result from simultaneous movement of the revolver, either to the target or the needle, on account of yielding connection between the latter and the needle which, it will be observed, permits yielding in all directions, both laterally and vertically. After one record has been made, other records may be made upon the same subtarget, or the latter may be withdrawn from its holder and a fresh target substituted for a continuation of the practice.

The magnet is obviously might be located at or adjacent the sub-target, but since the magnet is one of the heaviest elements of the described apparatus, I prefer to position itnear the point of suspension, so as to decrease, so far as possible, the mass of the apparatus near the revolver end. The weight of the parts of the apparatus near the revolver end need be but comparatively small. I have found invpractice that with a suspension of five or six feet in length and a tube of from six to eight feet long, with a proper counterbalancing of the apparatus, the marksman feels substantially no resistance to the movement of the firearm beyond the weight of the revolver itself.

The dimensions, as well as the entire construction of the apparatus, may be quite different from that disclosed; but when constructed as described, and for revolver practice, I'prefer to make the support of approximately the length suggested, obtaining the effect of any desired greater length of range by an appropriate reduction of the standard targets for the increased range.

- For example: in the illustrated embodiment of my invention, the main target his a standard thirty yards revolver target appropriately reduced, however, to suit the diminished distance at which it is used. The subtarget, as will be understood from my prior patent referred to, is so proportioned to the main target as to correctly record thereupon the aim taken at the former.

In order to assist in the correction of defective eye-sight, that is to say, to compensate for the errors of those marksmen who repeatedly sight too high or low, or to the right or left of the bulls-eye, which subject is fully set forth in my aforesaid prior patent, there is provided means for adjusting the relation between the line of sight, the marker, the bulls-eye and the aim-fixing spot to offset the marker from a vertical line through the bulls-eye when the line of sight is directed on the aim-fixing spot. Herein the relation between these four elements is adjusted by adjusting the needle or marker laterally from its normal or true position. To effect this, the finger h (Figs. 2 and 3) is pivoted to the arm h by means of the stud s and carries atits opposite end a graduated head 8, by which it may be clamped through the clamping screw 8 so as to bring any one of the several graduations opposite the stationary zero mark 8 The graduations, are expressive in different degrees of the tendency to shoot to the right or left of the bulls-eye, 'this showing the marksman the amount necessary to ofitset the needle to eliminate this tendency. As set forth in the aforesaid prior patent, this may be utilized, first to'acquaint the marksman with his defect, and finally to correct the defect by causing him to make an unconscious allowance therefor. With ranges, such as are required in revolver prac tice, correction of eye-sight for vertical displacement is usually unnecessary, but if such correction is desired, it may be accomplished by adjusting the main target verti cally above or below its true position, there being provided for this purpose graduations .9, upon the target standard, by which the amount of vertical displacement may be judged.

The needle suspension described, I have found in practice particularly sensitive and. efficient. The weights 9 cause theneedle to short remain under the control of the revolver'finger h, for any ordinary aiming movements. The needle is pressed against the finger so delicately that its pressure cannot be perceived or felt by the holder of the fire-arm. The weights also provide a certain inertia for the needle, which is desirable if practice with blank ammunition is required. In order to accustom the marksmen to th shock of the'explosion, blank cartridges may be fired with therevolver if the kick or recoil of the fire-arm, which, onthe actual range does not afiect the trajectory of the bullet, can be eliminated from the record. The recoil usually occurs before the comple tion of the record and is apt to introduce an error in the aim if the needle is too quickly responsive to the recoil movement of the revolver. In the present: instance, a recoil which will throw up the muzzle of the re volver, merely lifts the finger from the needle, and the latter, by reason of the inertia of the weights, does not immediately move. The interval occupied in overcoming the inertia of the needle, though slight, is sufficient for completion of the record and such record therefore shows the aim at the moment of firing and before recoil instead of after recoil, as would often or always be mal position, thatis to say, where the revolver, when held by the hinged rest 39, points to the center of the bulls-eye of the distant sub-target, and the needle simultaneously points to the bulls-eye of the sub-target, will only be necessary when there has been injury to or displacement of some ofthe parts. Such adjustment if needed, however, can be easily made. The line of revolver sight can be adjusted laterally with relation to the target by unloosening the clamping screw which secures the bracket carrying the hinged rest to the tubular support and twisting the same slightly upon the support before reclamping it, or the same may be done'with the target carrying bracket 6*. Vertical adjustment of the line of sight relative to the target may be had by sliding the target frame up or down in the tightly fitting holder .72 Vertical adjustment of the needle relatively to the sub-target is had by turning the thumb nut 0 and lateral adjustment by unclamping the bracket 0 and turning it upon the tubular support.

It will be seen that the common carrier comprising the tube 6 maintains the target I) and the recording target j in definite relation one to the other and that in-"th'e'northe aiming device. Obviously when in normal adjustment with the revolver pointing at the center of the aim-fixing spot when the needle simultaneously points at the center of the bulls-eye of the sub-target, such relation requires that the aim-fixing spot shall stand at a distance above the bulls-eye approximately equal to the line.

of sight of the revolver above the line of action or axis of the marker when pointing at the bulls-eye.

In order to enforce the practice of quick sighting and firing, if desired, use may be made of a shutter or screen w, shown suspended in Fig. 1, in front of the main target. This screen can be swung aside to expose the main target to the vision of the marksman for a definite brief period only, at the end of which it may be allowed to swing back into place in front of the target to obscure the same. The marksman is supposed to sight and fire during the interval the target is exposed. Obviously, automatic shutter mechanism for exposing the target for a given period may be employed, but the device indicated is simple and efiective for ordinary purposes.

Obviously it is not necessary, although desirable, to support .the apparatus at or near the main target, and such supporting point might be located at some other position in the apparatus than that shown. While the overhead suspension members contribute a simple but effective support to the apparatus, it will also be obvious that the effect of a floating suspension or a freely movable support may be obtained in other ways than that disclosed, such, for example, as by mounting the target end of the apparatus upon frictionless rollers and per. mitting it to roll over a suitable platform or table, or in other ways unnecessary to mention. It must also be understood that while my invention comprehends a support so movable as to offer little or no restriction .to the efforts of the marksman in positioning the fire-arm, yet in many features my invention is not limited thereto, but is susceptible of useful application where such a freely movable support is not provided or where apparatus of quite different construction is employed.

While I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention for illustrative purposes, it is tov be understood that the same is not limited to the form, construction and arrangement of parts here shown, but that extensive modifications thereof may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Claims:

1. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, means for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance ofa projectile, and a freely movable support upon which said aiming device has aiming movement.

2. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, a freely movable support upon which said aiming device is fulcrumed, and following means to follow the aim of said device with relation to a reference object.

3. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, following means to follow the aim thereof and a freely movable support for said aiming device and following means.

4:. In an apparatusof the class described, an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference obfor said aiming device, following means and reference object.

5. In a target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, and supporting means for said aiming device, following means and reference object movable about a point substantially coincident with said target.

6. In a target practice apparatus, a main target, a secondary target, an aiming device, and a movable support for said main target and upon which said aiming device has aimin g movement.

7. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device and means for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile, said aiming device being movably mounted upon a freely swinging support.

8. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, a main target, and a secondary target, and a movable tubular support common to said main target, secondary target and aiming device.

9. In an apparatus of the class described,

ting the movement of the latter during any movement of said aiming device.

10. A target practice apparatus having a floating support, and aim recording means thereon comprising an aiming device, a main target and a secondary target.

11. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, followingmeans to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, a support upon which said aiming device is fulcrumed for aiming movement thereof, said support being movable to permit of positioning of said aiming device when in the hands of the marksman and said following means being mounted upon said support.

12. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, means for recording the aim projectile, and a flexible suspension for said aiming device and said recording means.

13. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, a main target, a secondary target, a movable support for said aiming device and secondary target, and an electromagnet for recording the aim on said secondary target, said magnet being located near the center of movement of said support.

14. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, means for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile, and electric actuating means therefor, comprising a contact device, and an actuating lever adapted tobe moved on the pulling of the trigger and a freely movable supportfor said aiming device and said actuating means.

15. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, a support, connections between said support and said aiming device permitting aiming movement of the latter, means for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile, and a pivoted rest to retain said aiming device in its normal position when out of use.

16. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target'or like object, and following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, said following means including a pivotally supported indicating pointer having a counterbalancing weight. below the center of pivotal support.

17. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, a vertically adjustable pivot pin and a gravity sustained pointer on said pivot pin and connected to follow the aim of the aiming device.

18. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, and following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, said means including a gyratable pointer, a directing member, and a counterbalancing weight by which said pointer is pressed toward said directing member.

19. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, and following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, said means including a fulcrumed pointer and a guiding member engaging said pointer between the point thereof and its fulcrum and adapted to be withdrawn therefrom on excessive aiming movement of the aiming device.

20. A target practice'apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, and following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, said means including an indicating pointer and connecting means between. said aiming device and said pointer yieldable to permit excessive movement of said aiming device in any direction without necessary movement of said pointer.

21. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, and following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, said means including an indicating member and connections between said indicating member and said aiming device'and means for adjustably oflsetting said member laterally from the aiming device.

22. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, a main target to be aimed at following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, and means for exposing and thereafter obscuring the main target.

23. A target practice apparatus provided with an aiming device, a movable support therefor, said device having an aiming movement about said support for aiming at a target or like object and having also, while in the hands of the marksman, a positioning movement with and upon said support, a follower therefor to follow and indicate the aim thereof by movement relativeto a reference object, said follower performing its relative indicating movement only upon the aiming movement of the said aiming device.

' 24. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, a support on which said aiming device is fulcrumed, an arm projecting beneath said aiming device and in the same direction therewith and secured thereto for movement with the same about its fulcrumed support, an indicating pointer also fulcrumed upon said support and means for connecting said arm and pointer to direct the movement of the latter, said connection p ermit-ting withdrawal of said directing means from said pointer on extreme movement of said aiming device.

25. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, a main target and a reference object such as a sub-target, a movable sup port upon whichsaid aiming device is fulcrumed and following means'to follow the aim of said device with relation to said reference object.

26. A target practice'apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, a main target and a reference object, a movable support upon which said aiming device, main target and reference object are mounted, and following means to follow the aim of said aiming devicewith relation to said reference object.

27.-A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, a target or other like object at which aim may be taken, a reference object, following means to follow the aim of said aiming device with relation to said main target, a secondary target, an aiming device and following means and a common movable support for said main target, secondary target, aiming device and following means.

29. A target practice apparatus having a main target, a secondary target, an aiming device and following means and a freely moviable support for said main target, secondary target, aiming device and following means.

30. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, a main target and a reference object, following means to follow the aim of said aiming device with relation to said reference object and means connecting the main target and aiming device to maintain the desired relation between the same.

31. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target, a main target, a reference object, following means to follow the aim of said aiming device with relation to said reference object, and a movable support connecting the main target and aiming device to maintain the desired relation between them.

32. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, means for recording the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile, a main target and a flexible suspension for said aiming device and main target.

- 33. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, means for recording the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile, a main and a sub-target and a flexible suspension for said.aiming device, main and sub-targets.

34. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, means for recording the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile, a main target, following means to follow the aim of the aiming device with relation to a reference object, and a flexible suspension for said aiming device, main target, reference object and following means.

35. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, following means for following the aim thereof with relation to a secondary target, and electro-magnetic means for effecting the record of the aim upon said secondary target and a sup-port for said electro-magnetio means connected to move with said aiming device.

36. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at a target or like object, following means'to follow and indicate the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, said following means including an indicating pointer and a single pivot post support on which the same has universal movement.

37. In a target practice apparatus, the

combination of a member having a free swinging movement about one end and an aiming device connected adjacent the other end of said member having a universal movement relative thereto and adapted to be held and operated by one hand.

38. In a target practice apparatus, the combination of a member having a free swinging movement about one end and an aiming device connected adjacent the other end and having a universal movement relative thereto, and counterbalancing means for said member to permit free positioning or aiming movement of said aiming device in simultation of usual firing conditions thereof.

39. In a target practice apparatus, the combination of a member having a free swinging movement about one end and an aiming device connected adjacent the other end and having a universal movement thereon, and recording means comprising a follower connected with said aiming device to follow the aim thereof and a target medium on which relative position of said follower is recorded at time of simulated or actual firing.

40; In a target practice apparatus, a gyratory follower provided with a pivotal support and a pair of rearwardly extending arms g having weights 9 adjustably secured thereon.

4.1. A target practice apparatus having an indicating needle, a support, an aiming device mounted on said support, an indicating needle, a guiding member connected to said aiming device to direct the movement of said needle but movable relatively to the latter, and means for weighting said needle ]for throwing it toward said guiding mem- 42. In a target practice apparatus, the

combination with an aiming device, of a fulcrumed indicating needle therefor, the latter "mounted for gyratory movement, a guiding member for said needle, and means tending to press said needle toward the said guiding member while at the same time preventing it from turning about its axis.

13. The combination with an aiming device having a trigger, electrically actuated contact means for indicating the aim thereof, electrical contact means controlling said indicating means and carried by said aiming device, the same comprising a pair of resilient contact members, a blockactuated by the trigger having a recess provided with-a narrow opening and receiving the ends of said contact members and adapted upon move ment of said triggerto bring said ends together.

4A. In a target practice apparatus, an aiming device, having a trigger a, a lever 0 adapted to be clutched thereby and provided with a block 0 having a recess 0 and electrical contact devices 0 0 entering said recess and engaged by the walls thereof upon actuation of said lever to bring the same into electrical contact.

45. In a targetpractice apparatus the combination with a main target 6, aiming combination with an aiming device adapted to be aimed at a target, a follower adapted to follow the aiming movement thereof, and a support movable with the aiming device upon which support said follower is movably mounted.

48. The combination with an aiming device of a universally mounted follower adapted to follow the deflections of the aiming device to an exaggerated degree, and a support for said follower movable with the aiming device during aiming movement.

49. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, a main target, means for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile and a freely movable connection leading from the aiming device substantially to the main target.

50. The combination with an aiming device of a follower adapted to follow the aim thereof, a sub-targetupon which the follower acts to record the aim, and a support for the sub-target movable with the aiming device during aiming movement.

51. The combination with an aiming device of a follower adapted to follow the aim thereof, a sub-target, and a support for the. follower and sub-target movable'with the aiming device during aiming movement.

52. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, a main target, means for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of a projectile, and a freely movable connection between the main target and the aiming device.

53. A target practice apparatus having an i aiming device for aimingat a target or like object, following means to follow the aim thereof with relation to a reference object, and movable connecting means extending from the aiming device to substantially the main target to maintain the desired relation between the same.

54. The combination of an aiming device of a main target, a follower, recording means, and a flexible connection permitting free movement together of the aiming device andthe recording means.

55. target practice apparatus comprising a .main target, an aiming device having both a positioning and an aiming movement and indicating devices movable relatively to each other on aiming movementof the aiming device and movable with the aiming device without movement relatively to each other on positioning movement of the aiming device.

56. A target practice apparatus comprising a main target, an aiming device having both a positioning and an aiming movement and recording devices movable relatively to each other on aiming movement of the aiming device and movable with the aiming device without movement relatively to each other on positioning movement of the alming device.

57. In a target practice apparatus the combination with an aiming device adapted to be held and operated by one hand of the marksman, of a follower, mutually detachable connections between the aiming device and the follower to cause the latter to follow the aiming movements of the aiming device, said connections permitting, when in the hands of the marksman, detachment of the aiming device from the follower to provide for a free upward sweep of the aiming device.

58. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment comprising a mechanical marker to followthe vice of an aim recording attachment there for comprising a mechanical marker connected to the device to have a definite relation to its line of sight, aim fixing and aim recording means comprising an aim fixing spot at which aim may be taken, a bullseye to receive the mark of the marker, a common holder for -maintainingthem in fixed position determined by the relation of the marker to the line of sight and means provided by said holder for the adjustment of the relation betweenthe aim fixing spot and the bulls-eye on the holder.

60. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment therefor, comprising a mechanical marker connected to the device to have a definite relation to its line of sight, aim fixing and aim recording means comprising an aim fixing target, an adjustable target holder therefor, an aim recording bulls-eye to receive the mark of the marker, and a common carrier for said bulls-eye and adjustable target holder.

61.-The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment comprising a marker for following the movement of the aiming device during aim, said aiming device with its marker having a free, unrestrained, positioning movement, aim fixing and aim recording means comprising an aim fixing spot at which aim may be taken, a bulls-eye to receive the mark of the marker, and a common carrier to maintain e the aim fixing spot and bulls-eye in a fixed relation corresponding to the relation of the marker and the aiming device.

62. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment comprising a marker for following the move ment of the aiming device during aim, said aiming device with its marker having a free, unrestrained, positioning movement, aim fixing and aim recording means comprising an aim fixing spot at which aim may be taken, a bulls-eye to receive the mark of the marker, and a common carrier to maintain the aim fixing spot and the bulls-eye in a fixed relation corresponding to the relation of the marker and the aiming device.

63. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment com prising a marker mechanically connected to the said device to follow the movement thereof during aiming, an aim fixing target with its holder at which target aim may be taken, a separate aim recording target with its holder which target is adapted to receive the mark of the marker, and a common carrier for said aim fixing target and aim recording target to maintain them in definite relation correspnding to the relation of the marker and the aiming device.

64. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment comprising a marker mechanically connected to the said device to follow the aiming movements thereof, an aim fixing spot at which aim may be taken, a separate bulls-eye to receive the mark of the marker, a common carrier to maintain the aim fixing spot and bulls-eye in definite relation determined by the relation of the marker and the aiming device, adjustment means for adjusting the aim fixing spot relatively to the bulls-eye,

and a scale for indicating the extent of adjustment.

65. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment com prising a marker mechanically connected to said device to follow the aiming movements thereof, an aim fixing spot, a bulls-eye to receive the mark of the marker, a common carrier maintaining the aim fixing spot and bulls-eye in definite relation predetermined by the relation of the marker and the line of sight of the aiming device, means providing for a vertical adjustment of the aim fixing spot on the carrier relatively to the bulls-eye to alter that relation, and a scale to indicate the extent of vertical adjustment.

66. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment comprising a marker mechanically connected to the aiming device to follow the aiming movements of the latter, an aim fixing spot at which aim may be taken, a separate bullseye to receive the mark of the marker, a common carrier maintaining the arm fixing spot and bulls-eye in definite relation predetermined by the relation of the marker and the line of sight of the aiming device, means for adjusting the aim fixing spot on the carrier relatively to the bulls-eye to alter that relation and a scale to indicate the extent of adjustment.

67. The combination with an aiming device of an aim recording attachment comprising a mechanical marker to follow the movement of the aiming device during aiming, an aim-fixing spot at which aim may be taken, a separate bulls-eye to receive the mark of the marker, and a common carrier maintaining the aim-fixing spot and bullseye in definite relation predetermined by the relation of the marker and the line of sight of the aiming device, said aim-fixing spot being vertically adjustable on the said carrier.

68. The combination with a target adapted for use with an aiming device and a mechanically connected marker ofmeans for showing anaim-fixing spot at a distance above the bulls-eye and the target approximately equal to the distance of the line of sight above the line of action of the marker, a common carrier for the targetand the aim-fixing spot, and means for adjusting the relation between the line of sight, the marker, the bulls-eye and the aim-fixing spot to offset the marker from a vertical line through the bulls-eye when the line of sight is directed on the aim-fixing spot.

69. A target practice apparatus comprising a support adapted to be attached and movable with an aiming device, and a target at which aim may be taken secured to said support.

70. A target practice apparatus comprismay be ing a support adapted to be attached to an aiming device, and a target at Which aim taken, said target being movable therewith and maintained by said support at a substantially fixed distance from the aiming device.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscriblng wltnesses.

HENRY H. CUMMINGS. Witnesses:

ROBERT E. KAMMLER, THOMAS B. BOOTH.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

